UT Tyler Students Lead Innovation in 2024 East Texas High School Idea Challenge

Two students from The University of Texas at Tyler University Academy Tyler campus claimed victory in the 2024 East Texas High School Idea Challenge, a leading innovation competition for high schoolers at UT Tyler. Umama Khan and Olivia Hall, UA-Tyler seniors, earned first place and $5,000 UT Tyler scholarships each for their project, Vitaband—a wristband monitoring patients' vitals and connecting them with healthcare professionals. Kiley Salser, a Pine Tree High School sophomore, secured second place and a $2,500 UT Tyler scholarship for Glistening Gardens, her lawn-to-garden transformation business. Judged on innovation, creativity, and real-world potential, the winners epitomize East Texas' future innovators. Brandon Reynolds, director of ETX LaunchPad at UT Tyler, praised their achievements, expressing gratitude to all participants and announcing registration for next year's challenge opening in August, continuing the university's innovation support.